In a presentation to the Russellville Advertising and Promotion (A&P) Commission on Thursday, Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Pipkin said the last parcel of property needed for the John Q. Hammons convention center project was purchased last Thursday.

In a deal where the city provided the land and prepared it for development, as well as provided $150,000 per year for 25 years for maintenance, Hammons agreed to invest the money needed to build a first-class hotel-convention center, according to a June 6 article by Brooke Chambers.

Pipkin told the A&P Commission the next step would be to obtain an asbestos survey for the Days Inn building on the property.

"We have to do that before demolition," he said.

The sellers have 90 days to remove any personal items from the property. Pipkin said demolition should take about 45 days to complete.

"Our goal is to turn over the property to Mr. Hammons on Aug. 1," he said. "There is a window after demolition where the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has to review and approve the site."

Pipkin said he spoke with Hammons' chief engineer recently, who said Hammons' representatives are scheduling a visit later this month to meet with the city engineer, City Corp. and the highway department.

"We're on schedule," Pipkin said of the project, which is projected to begin construction this year and open in 2009.

Commissioner Brad Allen asked if the commission would have any input during the convention center's design phase.

"[Hammons] asked for information regarding types of events" to be held at the convention center, Pipkin said, adding Hammons hadn't considered the possibility of hosting boat and RV shows.

Pipkin said the current idea was something along the lines of the Hot Springs Convention Center.

"He's picturing that now instead of a big ballroom," Pipkin said. "I know it's going to be a diverse facility."

Mayor Tyrone Williamson said at Thursday's city council meeting an agreement for the city to take possession of the 20 acres of property for the convention center will be on the agenda for February's meeting.